Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S127)

Bill Text
A bill to end the trafficking of methamphetamines and precursor chemicals across the United States and its borders. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Methamphetamine Trafficking Enforcement Act of 2007 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to reduce the threshold requirements for imposing enhanced criminal penalties on individuals engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise involving methamphetamine.Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the U.S. Trade Representative, the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of Homeland Security should address methamphetamine controls in multilateral or bilateral negotiations with foreign countries; and (2) the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration should collaborate with foreign law enforcement officials to combat methamphetamine trafficking into the United States.Requires the Attorney General to report to Congress on problems faced by Indian reservations relating to methamphetamine trafficking [...]

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Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

Bill Text
To amend the Controlled Substances Act and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act with respect to penalties for powder cocaine and crack cocaine offenses.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Powder-Crack Cocaine Penalty Equalization Act of 2007 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to eliminate the disparity in sentencing between crack and powder cocaine, with regard to trafficking, possession, importation, and exportation of such substances, by changing the applicable amounts for powder cocaine to those currently applicable to crack cocaine.

Latest Action: 12/19/2007 - Received in the House.

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A concurrent resolution condemning the kidnapping and hostage-taking of 3 United States citizens for over 4 years by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), and demanding their immediate and unconditional release. 12/19/2007--Passed Senate without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Condemns: (1) the kidnappings of Keith Stansell, Thomas Howes, and Marc Gonsalves by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and calls for their immediate release; (2) FARC for the murder of Tom Janis and for its use of kidnapping for ransom, extortion, and drug trafficking, and for supporting and spreading terror within Colombia. Expresses sympathy to the hostages' relatives. Reconfirms that the U.S. government does not make concessions to terrorists. Reiterates that the U.S. government [...]

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Latest Action: 03/16/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity.

Bill Text
To protect innocent elderly and disabled tenants in public housing and housing assisted under the rental assistance program under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 from eviction by reason of criminal activity.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

One Strike and You're Out! Act of 2007 - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to exempt a tenant in public housing or housing assisted under the section 8 rental assistance program from the eviction for criminal or drug-related criminal activity provisions if such activity was engaged in by a member under the tenant's control and the tenant: (1) is elderly or disabled; (2) did not know and should not have known of the activity; or (3) the tenant or member of household was the victim of the criminal activity.

Requires public housing agencies to report annually on the number of such evictions.

Latest Action: 05/09/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.

Bill Text
To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to improve school safety. 1/9/2007--Introduced. Safe Schools Against Violence in Education Act or the SAVE Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require states to allow a student who is attending a public school that does not have a safe climate for academic achievement, or who becomes a victim of a violent criminal offense while on school grounds, in a school bus, or on a school function, to transfer to a safe public school within the school district. (Currently, the school must be persistently dangerous and the offense must occur on school grounds.) Requires the counseling or removal of offenders. Requires a state's determination that a school is unsafe to: (1) be based on verifiable data reported in a consistent and uniform manner; (2) result in ameliorative efforts by unsafe schools; and (3) be relayed to local educational agencies (LEAs) within 45 days before the start of a [...]

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Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

Bill Text
To require the Attorney General to develop a national strategy to eliminate the illegal operations of the top three international drug gangs that present the greatest threat to law and order in the United States.

1/10/2007--Introduced.

Gang Elimination Act of 2007 - Directs the Attorney General to report to Congress on a national strategy to eliminate the illegal operations of National Threat Drug Gangs (i.e., the top three international drug gangs that present the greatest threat to law and order in the United States). Sets forth criteria for the Attorney General to consider in identifying a National Threat Drug Gang, including (1) ties to international terrorist organizations or state-sponsored terrorism; (2) the volume of controlled substances imported or distributed by such gangs; and (3) the threat to children and schools in the United States.

Latest Action: 01/18/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S754-755)

Bill Text
A bill to authorize secure borders and comprehensive immigration reform, and for other purposes. 1/18/2007--Introduced. Border Security and Immigration Reform Act of 2007 - Provides for increases in the numbers of federal immigration enforcement-related positions and technological assets for use along the borders, including Department of Defense (DOD) equipment. Provides for: (1) recruitment of former military personnel; (2) border control facilities construction; (3) land border port of entry construction and improvements; (4) border patrol checkpoints; and (5) fencing, barrier, and road construction and improvements in the Yuma and Tucson sectors. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to develop: (1) a comprehensive land and maritime border surveillance plan; (2) a National Strategy for Border Security; (3) a plan to combat human smuggling; (4) a southern border study; and (5) a schedule for equippng all land border ports of entry with the [...]

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Latest Action: 12/10/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S15077-15078)

Bill Text
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that certain benchmarks must be met before certain restrictions against the Government of North Korea are lifted, and that the United States Government should not provide any financial assistance to North Korea until the Secretary of State makes certain certifications regarding the submission of applications for refugee status. 12/10/2007--Introduced. States that restrictions imposed on the government of North Korea as a result of its being determined to be a government that has repeatedly supported acts of international terrorism should not be lifted until benchmarks have been met respecting: (1) missile or nuclear technology transfers; (2) cessation of terrorist activities and support of terrorist groups and terrorist activities; (3) counterfeiting of U.S. currency; (4) release of South Korean POWs, Japanese nationals, and Kim Donk-Shik; and (5) Bureau 39's closure. States that the U.S. government should not provide [...]

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Latest Action: 06/06/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1208)

Bill Text
To amend the Controlled Substances Act and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to eliminate certain mandatory minimum penalties relating to crack cocaine offenses.

1/12/2007--Introduced.

Crack-Cocaine Equitable Sentencing Act of 2007 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to eliminate specified mandatory minimum penalties relating to the trafficking in, and possession, importation, or distribution of, crack cocaine.

Latest Action: 01/17/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Bill Text
To amend the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize assistance to improve security and promote economic development in Mexico.

1/17/2007--Introduced.

Prosperous and Secure Neighbor Alliance Act of 2007 - States that it is U.S. policy to increase U.S. foreign assistance to improve security and promote economic development in Mexico, both of which are crucial to combat illicit drugs and drug-related violence and other criminal activities in Mexico and the United States.

Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to direct the President to provide assistance to improve security and promote economic development in Mexico by: (1) professionalizing Mexican law enforcement personnel; (2) providing technology to assist Mexican law enforcement personnel; (3) strengthening the Mexican judicial branch; (4) supporting anti-corruption programs in Mexico; and (5) reducing poverty through targeted funding to enhance social development in Mexico.

Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 08/01/2008 - By Senator Baucus from Committee on Finance filed written report. Report No. 110-444.

Bill Text
A joint resolution approving the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003.

7/23/2008--Reported to Senate without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary)

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Approves the renewal of certain import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003.

Latest Action: 07/30/2008 - Became Public Law No: 110-287.

Bill Text
Approving the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003. 7/24/2008--Public Law.    (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on July 23, 2008. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Approves the renewal of certain import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003. Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to extend certain customs fees for the processing of merchandise entered into the United States through October 7, 2017. Amends the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 to increase the amount of any corporate estimated tax installment otherwise due by a corporation with assets of not less than $1 billion for the third quarter of 2013 by 0.25% of such amount. Deems this resolution a renewal resolution which shall take effect upon its enactment [...]

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Latest Action: 05/12/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

Bill Text
To prohibit the purchase or lease of housing acquired using Federal loan or grant funds appropriated for the purchase and rehabilitation of foreclosed housing under the Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008 by any individual convicted under Federal or State law of a drug-dealing offense, a sex offense, or mortgage fraud.

5/12/2008--Introduced.

Prohibits any individual from purchasing or leasing any housing (or any dwelling unit in housing) acquired using federal loan or grant funds Congress appropriates for the purchase and rehabilitation of foreclosed housing under the Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008, if he or she has been convicted under federal or state law of a felony drug-dealing offense (within the five-year period preceding the purchase or lease transaction date), a sex offense, or mortgage fraud.

Latest Action: 04/24/2008 - Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

Bill Text
To improve the Operating Fund for public housing of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and for other purposes. 4/17/2008--Introduced. Public Housing Asset Management Improvement Act of 2008 - Prohibits the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from imposing restrictions or limitations on the amount of management and related fees for a public housing project which the public housing agency (PHA) determines reasonable, unless such restriction or limitation: (1) is determined pursuant to a negotiated rulemaking convened by the Secretary no earlier than April 1, 2009, with representatives from interested parties; and (2) is effective only on or after January 1, 2011. Allows any PHA that owns or operates fewer than 500 public housing units under the United States Housing Act of 1937 to elect to be exempt from asset management requirements imposed by the Secretary. Prohibits the Secretary from imposing any requirement, regulation, or guideline relating [...]

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Latest Action: 03/13/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR 3/14/2008 S2149-2150)

Bill Text
A bill to provide for judicial discretion regarding suspensions of student eligibility under section 484(r) of the Higher Education Act of 1965.

3/13/2008--Introduced.

Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to suspend students' eligibility for assistance under title IV for being convicted of committing controlled substance offenses while in receipt of such assistance only if the convicting courts order such suspension. (Currently, a conviction suffices.)

Latest Action: 03/11/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.

Bill Text
To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to repeal the provisions prohibiting persons convicted of drug offenses from receiving student financial assistance.

1/29/2008--Introduced.

Removing Impediments to Students Education Act or the RISE Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to repeal a provision which makes persons convicted of drug offenses ineligible to receive federal student financial assistance for specified periods.

Latest Action: 02/04/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

Bill Text
To amend the Controlled Substances Act and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to eliminate increased penalties for cocaine offenses where the cocaine involved is cocaine base, to eliminate minimum mandatory penalties for offenses involving cocaine, to use the resulting savings to provide drug treatment and diversion programs for cocaine users, and for other purposes. 1/17/2008--Introduced. Fairness in Cocaine Sentencing Act of 2008 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to eliminate: (1) increased and mandatory minimum penalties for drug offenses involving mixtures or substances which contain cocaine base (i.e., crack cocaine); and (2) restrictions on judicial authority to grant probation or suspended sentences for certain cocaine offenses.Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2013 for federal pretrial diversion and post conviction drug courts.Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act [...]

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Latest Action: 01/14/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

Bill Text
To provide for only prospective effect of certain amendments to the Federal Sentencing Guidelines relating to cocaine base sentencing.

12/19/2007--Introduced.

Provides that an amendment to the sentencing guidelines promulgated by the U.S. Sentencing Commission with respect to crack cocaine offenses shall apply only to cases pending on and after the effective date of such amendment (i.e., November 1, 2007).

Latest Action: 01/14/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

Bill Text
To reform the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, modernize firearms laws and regulations, protect the community from criminals, and for other purposes. 12/19/2007--Introduced. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Reform and Firearms Modernization Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to revise the civil penalties for violations of firearms law and the procedures for assessing such penalties.Revises the definition of "willfully" for purposes of firearms violations and standards for criminal violations of firearms recordkeeping requirements.Requires the Attorney General to: (1) make preliminary determinations on firearms license applications and notify applicants in writing of a proposed denial; and (2) establish guidelines for Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) inspections, examinations, or investigations of possible firearms violations.Prohibits ATF from disclosing information [...]

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Latest Action: 01/14/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To amend the Controlled Substances Act to add human growth hormone to schedule III.

12/19/2007--Introduced.

Human Growth Hormone Restriction Act of 2007 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to classify as a Schedule III controlled substance growth hormone, recombinant human growth hormone, or human growth hormone.